Official: NBC cancels 'Law & Order

[josephga]

Official: NBC cancels 'Law & Order'

 

After a flurry of last-minute talks, NBC has officially cancelled "Law & Order," concluding the show after 20 seasons.

 

The network also renewed spinoff "SVU" and has ordered yet another series to extend the franchise, "Law & Order: Los Angeles."

 

A source close to the talks said discussions between the network and executive producer Dick Wolf ran late into Thursday, with NBC ultimately deciding to end the flagship "L&O" due to the cost of ordering another season of the ratings-challenged veteran drama and the strength of the network's new shows.

 

Wolf issued this statement: "Never complain. Never explain."

 

Since the May 24 finale has already been shot, the final episode won't provide much closure to fans. Sources say NBC and Wolf plan to meet after the upfronts to discuss possible "closure opportunities" for the show, possibly having characters from "L&O" appear on the "Los Angeles" spinoff, or even having a two-hour wrap-up movie.

 

NBC executives released effusive statements praising Wolf.

 

"The full measure of the collective contributions made by Dick Wolf and his 'Law & Order' franchise over the last two decades to the success of NBC and Universal Media Studios cannot be overstated," said Jeff Gaspin, chairman, NBC Universal Television Entertainment. "The legacy of his original ‘Law & Order’ series will continue to make an impact like no other series before."

 

Added Angela Bromstad, president of primetime at the network: “‘Law & Order’ has been one of the most successful franchises in the history of television, which is why it is so critical that we continue this important brand and our relationship with Dick Wolf and his team with ‘LOLA’ and ‘Law & Order: SVU.’”

 

With the cancellation, "L&O" will tie, instead of beat "Gunsmoke," as TV's longest-running drama series. Ratings this season were dismal -- the show averaged 7.3 million viewers and 1.8 rating among adults 18-49. "LOLA" will be produced by Wolf and Blake Masters ("Brotherhood").

 

The franchise's other spinoff, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," continues to air its ninth season on USA Network and will not be impacted by the franchise shakeup.

[Guest greatness]

oh my

 

That's awful. I love Law & Order!

[jimbeaux]

One less opportunity for New York actors to work! That sucks ...

[MsGuy]

Did not see how one show could make all that much of a difference...

 

One less opportunity for New York actors to work! That sucks ...

until I read this article. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704414504575244793599336032.html?mod=WSJ_ArtsEnt_LifestyleArtEnt_4#articleTabs%3Dcomments

 

4000 jobs is a lot even for NY.